Role of vitamin E and phenolic compounds in the antioxidant capacity, measured by ESR, of virgin olive, olive and sunflower oils after frying

The effect of lipid profile, vitamin E and total phenolic content was studied in relation to the antioxidant capacity (measured by ESR) of three edible oils (virgin olive, sunflower and olive oils), using short-time deep fat frying as a model. Physico-chemical changes in the oils were also studied. Samples were analysed before and after 15, 30, 45 and 60 min fryings. Determination of free radicals, by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity in virgin olive oil and sunflower oil. This parameter was mainly influenced by vitamin E content, followed by lipid profile and phenolic content. The frying procedure decreased the antioxidant capacity in all tested oils. Sunflower oil underwent more chemical changes by frying than did olive and virgin olive oils. Antioxidant capacity of the edible oils was correlated with polar components and ultraviolet indices but not with peroxide index or acidity value. The use of ESR, as a rapid and very sensitive method for determining antioxidant capacity of edible oils, is suggested.